A group of scientists is conducting research on mussels in the Grand River in Brantford, Ontario, to gain insights into the impact of certain chemicals on the environment. Patty Gillis, a research scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, and her team, stationed at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington, Ontario, specialize in studying aquatic contaminants.
Using native freshwater mussels as indicators of water quality, Gillis’ team delves into the distribution and effects of contaminants. Mussels, being stationary creatures that filter water through their gills while buried in sediment, are particularly exposed to contaminants in the water and riverbed.
By analyzing a piece of mussel tissue, the team aims to quantify the impact of substances like metals or pharmaceuticals present in the river that may affect the mussels’ health. Their research involves studying the mussel population, evaluating the stresses on the mollusks, and testing their bodies for traces of metals and chemicals.
The team’s focus extends beyond mussels, as other groups are investigating various species such as snails, birds, and fish. The project, known as the Integrated Chemical Mixtures Project (ICMP), is a pilot initiative examining sites in Brantford and Windsor, Ontario.
Mark Hewitt, a chemist from Burlington involved in the ICMP project, emphasizes the importance of understanding complex chemical mixtures and their potential impact. The project aims to shed light on these mixtures, likening them to an iceberg where much remains unknown. This initiative aligns with the Canadian government’s recognition of the right to a healthy environment and employs a collaborative approach to comprehensively assess impacts on both human health and the environment.
The research involves comprehensive sampling and analysis downstream of the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Brantford, aiming to decipher how individual chemicals and chemical mixtures influence different mussel species. By scrutinizing the stress levels of mussels and analyzing their bodies for contaminants, the team seeks to unravel the broader environmental implications.
In addition to studying the mussels themselves, the team also investigates the surrounding environment by examining river flow, water acidity, and analyzing samples from the riverbed to identify resident invertebrates. Future plans involve placing mussels upstream and downstream of the wastewater plant and an industrial area to monitor stress levels and chemical accumulation, alongside similar experiments on fish, shrimp, and snails.
The ultimate goal is to gather information comprehensively and, upon identifying effects, delve deeper to determine the root causes. Gillis envisions expanding their research efforts to other locations across Canada to gain a more holistic understanding of the impact of chemicals on different aquatic species.